Sabrina Carpenter Shows Exactly How To Style Summer 2024's Prep Trend (Polo Shirt Included!)

Most people don't qualify polo shirts and golf micro skirts as high-fashion material, but you can expect to see variations of this unlikely pairing due to one of summer 2024's most popular style trends: geek chic. "Espresso" singer Sabrina Carpenter is one of the first to introduce this sporty-librarian hybrid look to the streets and was spotted rocking a preppy Miu Miu ensemble on her way to the "Saturday Night Live" studio on May 18. The 25-year-old star made a fashion statement with her cropped navy polo, white miniskirt, and platform heels. Carpenter also wore Miu Miu boxer briefs underneath her low-rise skirt — giving us flashbacks to Blake Lively's questionable "It Ends With Us" stacked boxer look — and Y2K-inspired Bayonetta glasses.

The "Feather" singer's outfit combines multiple trends, including tenniscore style and the wildly popular academia fashion trend, and wound up with an impossible amalgamation of Sporty Spice and Posh Spice. However, the tortoiseshell frames give this look a true academia feel, as they blend the "Challengers" tennis court ensemble with a charming librarian vibe. By pairing the athletic base pieces with refined elements, including the crocodile-leather handbag, strappy platforms, French mani, and Bayonetta frames, the "Work It" actor shows us how to transform traditionally masculine styles into a flirty silhouette that we can't wait to wear this season.

Sabrina Carpenter's outfit features bits and pieces of various trends. For instance, the private-school uniform inspiration is undeniable through the footwear here, but the "The Hate U Give" star swapped the polished Blair Waldorf-esque elements for Maria Sharapova's tennis attire. Despite the odd combination, this look is surprisingly versatile and difficult to get wrong. If you prefer a posh look, look for polos with striped trims, gold buttons, and breezy summer fabrics. And of course, Carpenter has the right idea by pairing the miniskirt with calf-length socks and strappy heels, which help balance out the athletic wear. 

It's all in the details, so don't leave the house without a cute handbag, accessories, and bookish glasses. In this case, the dark frames are a must, as they add a geeky touch and act as the cherry on top. Style your hair with glamorous waves and apply Carpenter's signature rosy makeup to complete the preppy look.

The first signs of this geek chic evolution trickling into mainstream fashion can be traced back to earlier this year when collared knits revived the winter prep aesthetic. And although her fans would like to appoint Sabrina Carpenter as the creator of geek chic, this jock-meets-nerd trend actually blew up thanks to designer Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu's spring 2024 collection. The spring runway designs featured a type of style typically adopted by country club members, preppy schoolgirls, and university professors. These luxury yacht uniforms combined structured pieces, such as blazers and tailored trousers, with frilly skirts, strappy sandals, and nerdy eyewear.

However, the summer 2024 take on Miu Miu's spring collection requires a warm-weather upgrade. Opt for breezy summer fabrics, such as pointelle, linen, and cotton. Additionally, toss in a few balletcore elements to even out the masculine silhouette with Mary Jane shoes, lace socks, and an elegant manicure. For an office-appropriate look, try a black maxi or midi skirt, tailored trousers, and a light blazer. While you can mix and match the other components of the outfit however you like, the polo shirt and dark-toned frames are crucial. Polos in particular are having a moment right now, as preppy fashion is poised to be big in 2024. To that end, we anticipate a wave of this polo-centric style throughout the rest of the year and expect to see more of these subversive fashion trends going forward.